Honors Guest Lecture 2000-2001

Mr. John Podesta - White House Chief of Staff

During the 2000-2001 academic year, Mr. John Podesta, President Bill Clinton's former
Chief of Staff, spent a day on campus. He shared his experience as advisor to one
of the world's most powerful people.

Honors students and faculty thought he would be an excellent and "accessible" role
model. Like many Saint Xavier students, Mr. Podesta is a first generation college
graduate, having grown up in a modest immigrant neighborhood on Chicago's northwest
side.

From his teenage years in the 1960's he has dedicated substantial energy and his entire
professional life to civic affairs and public service. We knew he would have compelling
insights into our annual Honors theme of "The Idea of America."

During his visit, Mr. Podesta was a dynamic, gracious and generous guest speaker.
He spent the entire afternoon touring our campus with Honors students, and meeting
with them in the Bishop Quarter Room in our library. He answered questions they had
about his White House experience and shared provocative West Wing war stories.

He delivered the annual Honors Guest Lecture in McGuire Hall, fielding questions from
the audience for nearly an hour, and meeting informally with the over 200 people at
a reception following the lecture.

He provided the entire University community with an inspiring example of the impact
one person can have when he or she truly believes that their civic commitment and
public service makes a difference.